My Daughter

Tomorrow is my daughters birthday.  I'm not going to say how old she is--it just reminds me of how old I am!  Let's just say she's in her thirties, married with 2 children.  I am sure, or I should say I hope that I am sure--that she knows how proud I am of her.  I am sure that she knows how much I love her and that I admire her immensely.  I am sure of that.  I always told my children as they were growing up how much I loved them and how proud I was, but it seems as they grow older I verbalize it less.  My tenderness is most shown now to my grandchildren and that bothers me a little.  So I thought I'd write this blog all about her and what I truly think of her.

She looks and acts exactly as one might expect--she is a true division of her father and me--with attributes of both of us.  The first thing I noticed after her birth was the fact that she had her father's feet and hands.  It was remarkable to me.  As I sat holding her in my arms I was amazed that a baby could look like a person. I don't know why--it just surprised me.  She was a tiny thing weighing only 6 lbs 6 oz. I loved that she was so little.  I wanted out of that hospital fast and into my own home so that I could take care of her my way.  I was extremely scheduled and she followed along nicely.  Sleeping 12 hours at night, yes, I said 12, and taking good naps during the day--my little baby girl was a breeze.  Until she hit age 2.

I don't want to belabor the terrible 2's, or the why? 3's, or the smart mouth 4's--let's just say it was a rough 3 years.  And then she started school.  She was very independent--as we were waiting in line for her first day of kindergarten she let go of my hand and that was that.  She no longer needed me.  She was in her element--friends and fun were about to begin.  I cried all the way home--so much so that at one point I had to pull off to the side of the road.

I have to honestly say that other than hormonal inconsistencies every so often she was easy to raise.  Sure there were the frequent arguments with her brothers, there were a few times of why can't I go?  But, she was a reasonable child with a great personality and a very tender heart.  I didn't go through what some of my friends did--I didn't have problems with her as far as drugs, alcohol, and boys were concerned.  Nope, she was pretty much perfect and she still is--in my opinion.  She's beautiful and super smart, she's got a fantastic exuberant personality, she doesn't shy away from problems, she's a great mom, and in fact, has so much more going for her than I ever did.  I think that's the part she gets from her dad.  She's always smiling, laughing, always ready to lend a hand, and I am so impressed with her that it makes my heart truly swell with pride.  I look at her and I am so thankful and grateful and still stand and watch her in amazement.  That's my daughter?  How did I get so lucky?  What did I ever do to deserve a daughter like her?  I'm glad that I only have one--I can gush over her all I want to.  We are the closest of friends, we talk a lot on the phone and visit as much as possible.  I feel blessed beyond measure.  And I love her so much.

When I grow up, I want to be just like her--my daughter.  Happy birthday!  I love you!